Eli’s misperception

Hannah prayed earnestly before the Lord, moving only her lips as she prayed in her heart. Eli the priest saw her and misunderstood thinking she was drunk. He rebuked her, saying, “How long will you behave like a drunk? Get rid of your wine!” (1) This reveals the spiritual condition of the Israelites at that time. Many seemed to use the opportunity to go up to the house of the Lord as a place to indulge in drinking. So, it is not surprising Eli misunderstood. (2) Upon hearing Hannah’s response, Eli candidly acknowledged his mistake and blessed her. The higher one’s position, the more challenging it becomes to admit one’s mistakes. There is something to learn from Eli’s attitude. Eli said to her, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your request that you have asked of Him.” Hannah was a woman burdened in her heart, but she returned home believing in Eli’s words. She regained her appetite, and her face was no longer filled with the sadness as before. It is uncertain whether Eli’s words were a simple greeting, like saying “God bless you,” or an actual prophecy. The former is most likely, but what matters here is that Hannah received them in faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). Amen.

Birth of a son

Eventually, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him “Samuel.” During that time, it was common for either the father or the mother to give the name to the child. The name “Samuel” means “heard by God.” Hannah named her son Samuel to always remember that her prayer had been heard. Was there a time in your life when the Lord has done good for you? How do you remember it? Let’s take a moment to recall the grace of the Lord and praise His holy name once again.